All men feel the charm of such women as all men smell the orange blossoms here in May--" "The language of flowers again!" laughed Beatrice.
"You are so like a flower," answered San Miniato softly.
"Am I ?" She laughed again, then grew grave and looked away.
Ruggiero's hand shook on the heavy tiller, and San Miniato, who supposed he was steering all the time, turned suddenly.
"What is the matter ?" he asked.
"The rudder is draking, Excellency," answered Ruggiero.
"And what does that mean ?" asked Beatrice.
"It means that the rudder trembles as the boat rises and falls with each sea, when there is a good breeze," answered Ruggiero.
"Is there any danger ?" asked Beatrice indifferently.
"What danger could there be, Excellency ?" asked the sailor.
"Because you are so pale, Ruggiero.

What is the matter with you, to-day ?" "Nothing, Excellency." "Ruggiero is in love," laughed San Miniato.

"Is it not true, Ruggiero ?" But the sailor did not answer, though the hot blood came quickly to his face and stayed there a moment and then sank away again.

He looked steadily at the dancing waves to windward, and set his lips tightly together.
"I would like to ask that sailor what he thinks of love and charm, and all the rest of it," said Beatrice.

"His ideas would be interesting." Ruggiero's blue eyes turned slowly upon her, with an odd expression.
Then he looked away again.
"I will ask him," said San Miniato in a low voice.